How to fold paper or fabric napkins for table setting under cutlery, in a ring, in a glass. Step by step with photos for beginners

There are many options for setting the theme of the holiday through table textiles - from a festive anniversary or wedding to something that would be appropriate at a children’s party.

An effective table design depends not least on the hostess’s ability to fold serving napkins in an unusual and tasteful way, use different color combinations of napkins and tablecloths, add elegant accessories in the form of rings or ribbons, artificial or fresh flowers, fold double napkins of different colors, place them on plates or glasses.

How to fold napkins beautifully under cutlery

There are no unimportant details in the design of the banquet table. Not a single detail of serving or decoration will go unnoticed by the guests. Such important points include the design of cutlery. There are several options: place them near the plates, following the serving rules, or place them in envelopes folded from napkins.

Envelope

It’s easy to learn in a short time how to fold napkins for table setting in the form of unusual envelopes so that they can accommodate a fork and knife, a business card with the guest’s name and all sorts of nice little things for decoration.

The easiest way is to fold a napkin for table setting under the cutlery in the shape of an envelope!

For the New Year's celebration, you can put mini cards with good wishes in such envelopes for each guest, for March 8 - a sprig of mimosa, funny toys for the holiday for the kids.

Horizontal envelope

The napkin lies face up.
Fold it in half.
Fold the outer layer down a third from the top edge.
Turn over and fold both edges toward the center.
Repeat this technique
Turn the resulting pocket over - you can place devices in it.

Candy envelope

Turn the napkin inside out.
Fold it underneath and to the left.
Fold the corner of the outer layer from the top right diagonally down to the left, then fold it back to the fold.
Fold the corner of the bottom layer on the right to the center folding point of the initial layer.
Fold the corners of the napkin back.
The result is an envelope in which the devices and design elements will look respectable.

Envelope with diagonal stripe

The napkin lies with the front side down.
Fold the fabric from bottom to top and from left to right.
Fold the corner of the outer layer from the top right to the center point diagonally twice.
Tuck the corner of the second layer inside so that it protrudes from under the outer layer by 3-4 cm.
Fold the top and bottom edges of the resulting figure towards the center. A rectangle appeared with an elegant diagonal fold.
Place the instruments in the received envelope.

DIY serving napkins

Textiles have long been used to decorate home interiors. Even an ordinary white tablecloth can transform a table set for dinner and bring coziness to a family feast. This decorative element performs not only an aesthetic, but also a practical function.

Fabric option

Every housewife should be able to decorate the table in an interesting way for the arrival of guests. We will look at how to easily sew napkins with your own hands and fold them beautifully for table setting. First of all, you should prepare all the necessary materials and tools that may be needed during the work.

To make a fabric napkin for serving table we will need:

scissors;
cotton, linen or artificial fabrics;
pins of different sizes;
skein of thread for basting;
sewing machine;
iron.

Related article: Style and color are the main components of a beautiful table setting

The sewing process is as follows:

The dimensions of the product can be very different, in this case it is a square of 50 by 50 cm. Once you have decided on the parameters, mark them with a pencil on the fabric and draw the contours.
Now open out the desired part and bend one of the edges by 7 mm. Repeat the action three more times and iron all the corners around the perimeter of the resulting square.
Next, you need to make a second fold - to do this, turn one side a centimeter and smooth it with an iron. Do this with the adjacent side of the square, then walk around the entire perimeter of the future napkin.
Each corner needs to be unfolded and a line carefully drawn from the lower left corner to the upper right corner (diagonally). Repeat with the three remaining sides.
The drawn lines will help you cut the fabric evenly at the four corners. Fold those edges of the fabric that are located on both sides of the cut corner into the center. Smooth the top of the corner towards the center and make a second fold along the ironed lines.
We sew all folds with a basting stitch around the perimeter of the product. The edges should be smoothed using a regular straight seam on a sewing machine.

In the video: how to treat a corner on a tablecloth or napkin.

Crochet napkin set

Knitted napkins in a ring for table setting or individually create an atmosphere of well-being and comfort in the living room or dining room. Any novice craftswoman can knit such a product. By making home decorations with your own hands, you get pleasure from everyday little things. After all, a family dinner should be different from a lunch snack or breakfast on the run.

Crocheted napkins look elegant and homey. They are suitable for both holidays and everyday life.

It is not necessary to choose the most intricate napkin patterns, because they will be almost completely hidden under the plates. However, it wouldn’t hurt to starch the products so that they don’t lose their shape after the first feast.

The set of serving napkins for the tea table includes one large and six small handmade items. For production we used SOSO yarn (two skeins of white and dark brown) and a 1.5 Clover hook.

When knitting tightly, as shown in the example, there is no need to starch the finished product. The photo below shows a knitting pattern - it is suitable for a beginner level.

In the video: a beautiful crocheted napkin in 10 minutes.

Serving paper napkins in a napkin holder

How to fold paper napkins for table settings is easy to learn if you already have the skills to fold cloth napkins. Paper does not look as solid as fabric napkins, but it can also be used to create exquisite decorative elements for a festive feast.

Fan

An elegant fan will be created if napkins folded into triangles are evenly distributed in the holder. You can place two fans in different colors towards each other or in opposite directions.

Bird

It is necessary to bend the opposite ends of the napkins and fold them in half. For greater effect, it is possible to use napkins of two or three color schemes, contrasting or gradually changing tones.

Carefully place the resulting elongated trapezoids into a napkin holder. This is a chic bird tail; the head and body of the bird must be folded from a strip with a curved corner.

Waterfall

A fairly simple folding method looks very advantageous if you choose a tall napkin holder or simply use a low cup or vase instead. All napkins need to be unfolded once and folded in half, resulting in a rectangular stack. Then fold the stack of napkins in the middle. Place the resulting figure in the stand.

Place cutlery in a napkin

Before folding the serving napkins, you can form them into envelopes to place the cutlery inside. For this:

Fold the napkin in half horizontally with the right side facing inward.
Fold about a third of the top edge down for the center fold.
Turn the opposite side towards you.
Fold the sides, bringing them together in the center.
Do it all again.
Place your cutlery.

Don't be lazy to decorate the table! A lot depends on how you fold the cutlery napkin!

How to make a fan from napkins

The common folding method has several variations, each of which is original in its own way and always looks impressive on any holiday table.

Peacock

This type of folding fan is slightly different from the classic fan in that in addition to the fan itself, which here plays the role of a peacock’s tail, in this form of folding a bird figurine is added.

The napkin is folded into a rectangle.
Fold both corners of the rectangle to the right.
Fold the part with the curved ends towards the center point.
Place the napkin on the back side.
Repeat folding the side corners on the right.
Read also: How to create a patina for wooden furniture with your own hands
Turn the workpiece back over, it should look like a square.
Fold the napkin to the left into a corrugated shape and place it on a plate or table surface. If the fabric is tightly starched, it will stand without additional fastenings. If you fold such a figure out of paper, then the edges of the peacock’s tail can be connected with a paper clip from the back.

Fabric fan on a plate

Fold the napkin in half with the front facing up.
Make pleated folds on three-quarters of the material, turning the initial fold down.
Fold the napkin in the center, leaving the folds on the outside.
Fold the remaining front layer of fabric inward.
Fold the back layer of the left edge over the top and secure the edge in the fold.
Now you can unfold the workpiece on the plate like a fan; it will be held vertically, resting on the resulting triangular tail.

Fan in a glass

Unfold and fold the napkin into a wide strip.
Fold it like an accordion at intervals of 2-3 cm.
Bend the figure in half and fix it in a glass. Tightly starched fabric will keep the required shape.

If you put decor in the form of a fresh flower or twig in a wine glass for such a fan, it will look gentle and unusual.

Fan in a ring

Make a fan in the same way as in the previous version.
Place a special ring or brooch on the fan for serving.
Place the resulting composition on a plate in front of the guest or simply between the cutlery.

Napkin in the form of a swan

Surely each of you remembers how masterfully hotel employees fold towels in our rooms at resorts. These figures of birds and animals are of particular interest to visitors. Therefore, if you are wondering how to beautifully fold paper napkins, then try doing something similar.

1. Fold the napkin in half. Now again.

2. Place a diamond in front of you. Holding it at the highest point, take the left edge and place it to the right side. Do the same with the right corner.

3. Take one of the ends and bend it towards the edge of the same side. Do the same with the other one.

4. Holding the top point of the resulting shape, fold the napkin in half. Fold a small corner of this very point that you just held.

5. Lift the swan's tail and head and decorate the plate with it. After learning how to beautifully place paper napkins in the shape of swans on the table, you can experiment with color and additional decor. For the latter, we recommend eyes drawn with a gel pen or a small twig with a plant lying nearby.

How to make bunnies

Funny figurines of bunnies are good for decorating both a children's party and a festive one in honor of Easter. In many countries, the bunny is a symbol of this bright day, just like Easter eggs.

The napkin is folded in half.
Bend it along its length to get a thin rectangle.
Fold both corners of the rectangle inward.
Fold the base of this figure by making bends at each corner. First, bend the corner from the middle to the right and bottom, and then to the left. You will get a square.
Fold the right corner of this figure towards the center line.
Do the same on the left.
Turn the product over and rotate it 180 degrees.
Bend the bottom corner to create the face of a hare.
Fold the piece in half lengthwise and secure it at the bottom with a paper clip.
All that remains is to straighten the bunny's ears. The original addition to the table decor is ready.

Beautiful figures from napkins for serving

For many, placing serving napkins in the center of the plate is classic. This technique is widely used to decorate banquet and buffet tables. Skilled craftswomen can create a real work of art with a simple napkin. It's not as difficult as it might seem; you just need a little patience and a desire to experiment. Flowers made from napkins are always in place, and making them is not difficult. You can use the famous origami technology by simply replacing paper with fabric.

Lily

To make a lily, fold the product diagonally and carefully smooth out all the corners. Connect the right and left corners with the top of the triangle, then bend the napkin in half horizontally. Finally, decorate the petals and leaves by turning the top triangle out.

Lotus

The lotus can rightfully be considered the most difficult napkin figure to make. On the website https://sdelala-sama.ru/2658-lotos-iz-bumazhnyh-salfetok.html you can find detailed instructions on how to make a lotus from paper napkins with your own hands, as well as educational video materials. If you wish, you can exchange comments with other visitors and learn unusual ways to decorate the table. Below is a diagram for folding multi-colored napkins into a lotus inflorescence.

Related article: Basic rules for table setting: selection and arrangement of dishes, cutlery, napkins

Herringbone

To make a Christmas tree for table setting, take a deep green napkin. Roll it into a square, then divide all five corners into five layers and alternately bend them towards the middle. Turn the figure over to the opposite side and fold all ends of the napkin symmetrically, one under the other. This decoration will look natural during the Christmas holidays.

The finished product can be supplemented with a bright star, sparkles, snowflakes or multi-colored ribbons.

Handbag

This is the simplest design option for a fabric serving napkin. The initial form is a napkin folded vertically with a fold on the right. Now fold it in half from bottom to top and fold the top two layers of the left corner towards the center. The upper right corner also folds towards the center. Bend the resulting triangle down and fold the remaining corners towards the middle. The second triangle is thereby superimposed on the first. Use the instructions in the picture below.

heart

For Valentine's Day, decorate the table with heart-shaped napkins. Making them is not difficult at all - for this you will need red or pink paper napkins. Form a triangle, place the left and then the right corner on the top and turn the shape over. Bend the top part down, turn part of the bottom layer left and right diagonally. Next, you need to alternately remove the small corners on the right and left inside, giving the napkin a heart shape.

Fan in a ring

This option is most suitable for the classic style of table setting. Flatten the napkin and place it face down. Next, you need to give it an “accordion” shape - to do this, bend the product in half in the middle. That's all, the fan is ready. Now you can decorate the table with it by placing it on a special holder or placing it in a glass. And don't forget to straighten the fan after placing it in the right place.

If you are planning to decorate the living room for a children's party or a romantic dinner, then you can make a “firebird” based on a fan. However, for this you will need multi-colored napkins with bright patterns.

Horizontal sachet

Fold the napkin in half with the right side facing inward. When unfolding the canvas, make sure that the fold is located at the bottom. Bend one third of the top layer down and turn the product over to the opposite side. Fold the two sides so that they meet together and fold the napkin again.

Diagonal sachet

To make a diagonal sachet, fold the napkin in four and fold back the first layer of fabric by 5 centimeters, repeat the action. Do the same with the second layer, tucking the corner under the diagonal roller and forming a small roller (up to 2.5 centimeters). Fold the fabric over the top and bottom and decorate the table with it as you wish.

Envelope for devices

For the envelope, you will need a small three-ply serving napkin. Fold the product in half with the wrong side out, so that the fold is located at the bottom. Fold back a third of the first layer and fold the side edges towards the center (they should touch each other at the back), repeat the operation again.

The use of napkins for table setting will not surprise anyone for a long time, because everyone can buy beautiful textiles in the store. If you are just planning to throw a festive dinner for several dozen guests or just want to surprise your family, then you have time to learn how to make interesting shapes and flowers from napkins. Don’t stop at one design option and then you will certainly end up with an unusual composition.

Original ways to fold paper napkins (3 videos)

Different options for table setting with napkins (60 photos)

Color addition schemes

You should definitely learn how to fold napkins for table setting in the form of delicate exotic flowers, because such a decoration will always add originality to any holiday table.

Lotus

It doesn’t take much effort or time to learn this technique:

Unfold the fabric completely.
Fold the corners to the center point.
Turn over.
Fold the corners towards the middle again.
Taking the corners from the center of the resulting square one by one, lift them up.
Release the loose ends from all four corners of the napkin from underneath.

Tulip

Even a beginner can quickly master this simple method:

Place the workpiece folded diagonally in front of you horizontally.
Fold the corner from bottom to top.
Fold the corners on the right and left sides downwards.
Fold the loose ends up on both sides.
Tuck the corners of the workpiece at the back.

Lily

You can fold a lily in two ways - with open petals or with fixed petals. Both variations look strict and elegant on the table.

Lay out the fabric into a triangle.
Align the corners on the right and left with its apex point.
Bend the workpiece in half.
Bend the two free edges of the resulting new triangle down.
If you need an option with free petals, then you just have to fasten the sides on the back side.
If you prefer the option with fixed ends, you should fold a narrow strip at the bottom, holding the free edges. Then connect the sides at the back.

Aster

Astra will look good from both linen and paper napkins:

Fold half of the fully unfolded napkin from the bottom to the midline.
Fold the top half the same way.
Align the bottom edge of the resulting rectangle with the horizontal fold closest to it.
Then assemble the entire workpiece into an accordion.
Taking the napkin by the outer edge, tuck the ribs of the improvised accordion inside so that triangular shapes are formed.
Align the sides of the opposite triangles of the outer parts of the flower.
Place the composition in the desired location. To add originality, you can put pearl balls or confetti between the petals, if the occasion of the celebration allows it.

Roses

The tradition of decorating the table with flowers has long historical roots. People at all times have tried to combine the enjoyment of culinary masterpieces with the pleasure of contemplating masterpieces created by nature. Rose flowers, graceful and uniquely beautiful, will add status and elegance to any banquet table.

Rose on a plate

It is better to take napkins of two colors - one as a background for the flower, the other contrasting, for making the rose itself.

Bend the unfolded napkin diagonally.
Roll up a narrow strip.
Roll the strip into a roller.
Fix the bottom.
Straighten the top so that the bud becomes fuller.
Place the rose on the background fabric.

Rose in a glass

The flower folds in a similar way. And the background blank is placed in a tall glass.

Shape the background fabric into a triangle.
Fold it diagonally.
Place the workpiece with the edge with the hole facing up.
Insert an improvised pocket into the wine glass, and place the prepared rose bud in this pocket.

Rose with a glass

You can create such an amazing decor from paper napkins using a glass. Prepare 10 napkins and a glass.

Initially, place the napkin on the edge of the glass so that the corner of the middle of the napkin is directed inward. The remaining three corners of the napkin should be outside the edges of the glass. Press the napkin to secure the fold line.
Place the next napkin next to the previous one, slightly overlapping the first.
Next, arrange the napkins according to the whirlpool principle: each subsequent napkin slightly overlaps the previous one, and the laid out rows overlap each other.
Having laid out the available napkins, move the glass upside down onto the substitution plate.
Holding the resulting figure, you need to remove the glass. A lush flower will remain. If you place different colored napkins alternately, you will get a multi-colored bud. Several such compositions of different colors will look extraordinary on the table.

Serving with cloth napkins

Today there are two types of napkins - paper and fabric. The latter are usually used to protect clothes from crumbs and stains, while paper products are intended to wipe lips. Modern trends are aimed at the widespread introduction of fabric models; they look more elegant and will last you much longer than their paper counterparts.

Here are some popular patterns for folding a fabric napkin:

Megaphone is a very simple way to decorate a paper or fabric napkin. First of all, you need to fold the product in half and repeat this action again in the same direction, as shown in Figure 2. Bend the corners of the resulting narrow rectangle down and twist the figure into a “ball”. Finally, connect the two parts of the “bags” to each other.

The Southern Cross is an interesting and very simple fabric napkin layout that will fit perfectly into the decor of the dining table. Turn the product to the wrong side and bend all the corners to the center, observing the order. Then turn the canvas over and do the same. Repeat the action again and pull out first the upper right corner, and then all the other corners.

A junk is an unusual form of serving napkin, which is also sometimes called a “swan”. Fold the product in half so that the fold is on the right. Then fold the rectangle again and fold the bottom half diagonally upward. Bend the left and right corners up, and move the protruding parts down. Next, you need to roll the fabric back along the longitudinal axis, pulling out its edges one by one.

Article on the topic: How the table is set in different countries of the world: features of table etiquette

On video: 5 ways to beautifully fold fabric napkins.

Volumetric figures

An easy way to effectively set a table is to place table textiles in the form of three-dimensional figures.

Candle

Candle napkins are placed on a plateau, in wine glasses or in napkin holders.

Fold the fabric into a triangular shape.
Carefully wrap it in a roller.
Do not roll it up completely, but leave a small tail and place it inside the “candle” to secure it.

Crown

Any table will look elegant with a design in the form of regal crowns.

Bend the unfolded napkin into a triangle, positioning it so that its top points to the right.
Fold the corners of this shape up and towards the center point to form a diamond.
Turn the diamond over and fold half of it from bottom to top, folding the triangle.
All that remains is to turn the corners back, fix them together, and the crown is ready.

Napkin - heart

A romantic dinner by candlelight or a Valentine's Day celebration wouldn't be complete without impromptu hearts.

Fold the fabric in half twice, forming a narrow rectangle.
Place the sides of the rectangle up.
Consistently fold the corners of the horizontal side of the workpiece inward to form a schematic heart. If you make this figure from a fabric napkin, you can try to wrap the corners smoothly, then the heart will turn out more rounded.
After putting the heart on a plate, you should add a small souvenir or a declaration of love to it.

The napkin holder is the queen of the table

There are different ways to help you fold napkins beautifully in a napkin holder. The simplest of them is to carefully lay each one behind the other to form a light fan. It will be very convenient for guests to take them. By the way, napkin holders have the most unusual designs, so you can easily surprise your loved ones by serving an intricate device on the table. Just don’t put them in an awkward position: it is advisable that it is clear how to use such a device.

Before you put napkins in a napkin holder, you need to choose them correctly. Remember that everything on the table should be in harmony with each other. And the color of the napkins should not stand out too much. White ones are suitable for any holiday, choose red ones for romantic evenings, bright ones for children’s parties, and green, silver and gold ones will fit perfectly into the New Year’s atmosphere.

And most importantly, don’t devote all your energy to preparing for the holiday. Think about yourself too. Let the lady of the house look great too. This is no less important!

How to fold an original fabric napkin

Methods for folding napkins made of fabric or paper when setting a table follow the same rules. However, cloth napkins always look more solid and elegant than paper ones.

Sail

This form is simple to perform, but looks very impressive at any holiday.

There are several varieties of it that will be easy to do even for a beginner:

Fold the fabric twice along a horizontal line.
Give it a triangular shape by overlaying the lower left corner on the lower right.
Then move the right corner to the opposite edge.
Repeat steps 2 and 3.
Also bend the right side of the composition to the left, then place it upright on a plate or table.

Sail in the wind

Perform the same steps as in the previous method according to steps 1-4. Then you need to roll the fabric into a roll, starting from the acute corner of the triangle. Then place the napkin vertically, evenly distributing the tips of the sail.

Flame

It looks extraordinary not only horizontally on a plate, but also vertically in a wine glass.

Give the fabric the appearance of an isosceles triangle.
Fold it like an accordion, without touching the small corner at the top.
Fold the workpiece in half.
The “flame” can be secured and decorated at the same time with a ring, ribbon or designer clip.

Which option for folding serving napkins to choose depends on the occasion of the festive feast and the hostess’s imagination. A few simple manipulations with napkins can give an original design to the table and give aesthetic pleasure to guests.

Author: Galina (penrouz)

Article design: Vladimir the Great

What color of paper napkins should I choose?

Most designers agree that multi-colored tablecloths, selected in accordance with the overall color scheme, are a universal way to serve the table. Plain handkerchiefs are suitable for a tea table or business lunch. If you have chosen a tablecloth of a rich, deep shade, then the table service should be done in white and beige tones. When choosing the color of paper napkins for the table, you should take into account the setting of cutlery, the theme of the feast, as well as the color of the tablecloth and dishes.

White napkins will look harmonious with any table decoration. When choosing bright shades, take into account the impact of colors on a person’s emotional state - red and yellow tones give joy, and blue and green tones set the mood for a business conversation.

Using a colored tablecloth in combination with white paper napkins is one of the easiest ways to quickly decorate a holiday table, solemnly welcome guests and delight them with delicious dishes.

Recently, textiles have increasingly begun to be used to decorate the table during a home feast. Housewives prefer products with thematic inscriptions or slogans, such as “Happy Birthday”, “Happy New Year”, “Happy Holidays”.

In cafes and other public institutions you can find handmade scarves with an embroidered company logo. It looks very stylish, original and creates a special atmosphere.